Head-Mounted Electrode ECG Signal Processing for Wearable Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable devices for recording cardiac signals, such as wrist bands and chest straps, are inconvenient and obtrusive, limiting their application due to the need for cables and inferior signal-to-noise ratios when using head-mounted electrodes to obtain a full electrocardiogram (ECG) with P-, Q-, S-, and T-waves.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using at least two head-mounted electrodes to receive and analyze electrical signals over multiple cardiac cycles, combining data to derive a composite ECG, potentially aided by additional non-electrode sensors like microphones, to improve signal quality and accuracy without the need for body-mounted electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If head-mounted electrodes are used to obtain ECG, then user convenience and discreetness are improved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple head-mounted electrode signals (at least two electrodes) to obtain a composite ECG waveform. By merging signals from multiple sensors positioned on the head, the system achieves sufficient signal quality for diagnostic purposes while maintaining the convenience of head-mounted placement, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If chest straps are used to record standard ECG, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and obtrusiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a proxy ECG measurement system using head-mounted electrodes that copies the functional capability of standard chest-strap ECG systems. By placing electrodes on the head (ears, temples, forehead) rather than the chest, the system replicates ECG recording functionality in a less obtrusive manner, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If wrist bands with PPG are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision for full ECG deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical PPG mechanism used in wrist bands with an electrical measurement system using head-mounted electrodes. This substitution enables direct electrical detection of cardiac activity through the head, achieving full ECG waveform quality (P-QRS-T complexes) while maintaining the convenience of a wearable device, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable extraction of detailed ECG information, including P-, Q-, R-, S-, and T-waves, from head-mounted sensors, enhancing user convenience and practical applications by improving signal-to-noise ratios and allowing for continuous, unobtrusive cardiac monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
receiving electrical signals from at least two sensors, the at least two sensors including at least two electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a device and method of obtaining an electrocardiogram for a subject. The method comprises receiving electrical signals from at least two head-mounted sensors; and analysing said electrical signals to resolve shape and timing information for each of the P-, Q-, R-, S-, and T-waves available for the subject over a number of cardiac cycles, to derive a composite electrocardiogram, ECG, in which the composite electrocardiogram is derived using signals only from said head-mounted sensors.